A foundation that wants to provide autistic students with mobile tablets

On January 20, we launched the Justine and Florence Foundation, whose objective is to provide young Quebecers with autism access to an electronic tablet in the classroom.

Co-founded by Mesdames Catherine Chevrette and Nancy Ménard-Cheng, the new foundation bears the name of their young daughters, both suffering from an autism spectrum disorder. “Living with an autistic child is a big challenge for families and schools. Through our foundation, we want to provide effective tools that will facilitate learning for these children we love so much, ”explained Ms. Ménard-Cheng.

The Justine and Florence Foundation organized a vast fundraising campaign entitled A tablet, a smile, which aims to raise funds to give 3,500 tablets to autistic children in Quebec.

A spokesperson with contagious enthusiasm

Madame Kim Thúy, renowned author, but above all mother of a boy with the autism spectrum, is the foundation's spokesperson. “I was greatly impressed by the approach of Catherine and Nancy, who are, just like me, mothers of a child with autism. I wanted to join them to promote the Foundation and the project A tablet, a smile. We will be able to help our children to develop their potential and to have a better life. ”

A pilot project in Varennes

Initiated a few months ago, a pilot project is underway at Marie-Victorin school in Varennes, within the framework of which six specialized classes have been provided with two tablets each. The project also includes the applications, training and support necessary for the various stakeholders.

Even if it is too early to make an exhaustive evaluation of the project, according to teacher Mélanie Guillemette, for the moment, the experience is proving to be very positive. “I feel an increase in motivation in the classroom. We're finding that it's easier for kids to stay focused when they're using tablets, ”she explains.

Contribute to the development of young people

In Quebec, 1 % of children have autism. The Justine and Florence Foundation wishes to contribute significantly to the social and intellectual development of all these young people. “We want to see our children with autism spectrum disorder thrive. Learning is the lifeblood of life and everyone can learn throughout their life. This is what we want for all young autistic people in Quebec, ”concluded Ms. Chevrette.

To find out more, you can visit the site www.UneTabletteUnSourire.com